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Can Clay Colored Stools Be Due To Cholestasis?
Question: My Mother is 96 yrs. old. She eats quite well and I feed her fruits/veg/fish/eggs/liquids. this week her stools have been light or clay colored and pencil thin.I am concerned. She has given no complaints but they have not changed back to dark stools in about 5 days. I need a treatment for her, I suspect Cholestatis??
Brief Answer:
Require investigation and possible surgical management
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Clay colored stools can be due to cholestasis.
2. If it is cholestasis, it is usually due to obstruction. Jaundice will also be seen.
3. If there are any recent medications added, they can affect bile production and cause pale stool colour.
4. If no medications, she will require serum bilirubin tests and ultrasound abdomen for evaluation of cause. Try to increase fiber in diet and see. If it continues, she will need further investigation. Meet your doctor for tests. Delaying can cause further obstruction and could complicate management.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Require investigation and possible surgical management
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Clay colored stools can be due to cholestasis.
2. If it is cholestasis, it is usually due to obstruction. Jaundice will also be seen.
3. If there are any recent medications added, they can affect bile production and cause pale stool colour.
4. If no medications, she will require serum bilirubin tests and ultrasound abdomen for evaluation of cause. Try to increase fiber in diet and see. If it continues, she will need further investigation. Meet your doctor for tests. Delaying can cause further obstruction and could complicate management.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
She has been taking cough syrup for her sinusitis/wet cough the last few days,it also contains codeine and Guafiniasin(sp).... and Claritin twice a day for her runny,dripping nose,which has helped...she produces a great deal of clear but thick phlegm... I think because she sleeps w/her mouth open. Shall I didcontinue the cough medicine and see what happens?
I meant to mention she does not appear jaundiced and has no complaints of her stomach or bowels. She has had previous bouts with Diverticulitis but not in the last year....Thanks.
I meant to mention she does not appear jaundiced and has no complaints of her stomach or bowels. She has had previous bouts with Diverticulitis but not in the last year....Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can discontinue and watch for four days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Codeine has mild cholestatic effects, which can cause reduced bile production and hence clay colored stools.
Yes, you can discontinue the cough medicine.
Additionally, steam inhalation and salt water gargling twice a day. Guafiniasin only can be used, if she has sputum production. Continue with claritin, which will definitely help.
Wait for atleast 3-4 days, before cholestatic effects reduce and stool color would change.
If there are any symptoms of jaundice, then she needs to go to hospital to get a ultrasound and serum bilirubin test. Otherwise, continue earlier treatment with additional as above, discontinuing the codeine part of syrup.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Yes, you can discontinue and watch for four days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Codeine has mild cholestatic effects, which can cause reduced bile production and hence clay colored stools.
Yes, you can discontinue the cough medicine.
Additionally, steam inhalation and salt water gargling twice a day. Guafiniasin only can be used, if she has sputum production. Continue with claritin, which will definitely help.
Wait for atleast 3-4 days, before cholestatic effects reduce and stool color would change.
If there are any symptoms of jaundice, then she needs to go to hospital to get a ultrasound and serum bilirubin test. Otherwise, continue earlier treatment with additional as above, discontinuing the codeine part of syrup.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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